Monday's Betting Tips
By Covers.com
Weather to watch
There’s an 85 to 90 percent chance of light rain when the Nats host the Marlins on Monday afternoon. The temperature will be 50, with 13-mph winds blowing straight in from center.
Who’s hot
NBA: Portland is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games against the Spurs.
NBA: The favorite is 7-2 ATS in the last nine Bobcats-Wizards games.
NHL: The Rangers have won seven of their last nine visits to Ottawa.
MLB: The Cubs are 7-2 in Matt Garza’s last nine starts.
MLB: The over is 12-3-1 in Milwaukee’s last 16 games vs. NL Central foes.
Who’s not
NBA: Memphis is 1-8 ATS in its last nine games against Cleveland.
NBA: Toronto is 1-8 ATS in its last nine meetings with Milwaukee.
NHL: The home team is 0-4 in the last four Phoenix-Chicago games.
MLB: The Royals are 5-16 in umpire Jeff Kellogg’s last 21 games behind the plate.
MLB: The over is 0-5 in Jake Peavy’s last five road starts.
Key stat
7 – The last seven playoff games involving the Blackhawks have gone to overtime, an NHL record. All five of their games against Phoenix have gone to OT, and Chicago finished last season playing two OT games against the Canucks. The 1951 Stanley Cup finals, between the Maple Leafs and Canadiens, also went to OT in each of the five games.
Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked
X-rays were negative on Dwyane Wade’s dislocated finger, but the Heat star did not play Sunday against the Rockets and could miss the final two regular-season games as well. Wade vows he’ll be ready for the playoffs. He’s averaging 22.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists.
Game of the day
New York Rangers at Ottawa Senators (100, 5)
Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers (-130, 7.5)
Notable quotable
"We take a little satisfaction in seeing some justice there, but Marian Hossa is still at home, not feeling like himself. It doesn't bring him back into our lineup and feel ready." -- Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews, referring to the 25-game suspension Phoenix’s Raffi Torres received for his vicious hit to the head on Hossa. The teams play Game 6 in Chicago on Monday, with the Coyotes leading 3-2.
Tips and notes
Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson (concussion) could return for Monday’s Game 6 after he skated Sunday for the second straight day. Alfie was concussed by a Carl Hagelin hit in Game 2 and has not played since. Still, the Sens lead the series 3-2 and can close it out on home ice. Getting Alfie back would be a huge boost: he scored 27 goals and had 32 assists in 75 regular-season games. "I'm hopeful,” Alfredsson said. “We're obviously going to wait until [Monday]. But the way the last two days felt, I'm encouraged.”
Thunder swingman James Harden suffered a concussion when Metta World Peace elbowed him Sunday, and could miss the final two regular-season games. Harden, the likely Sixth Man of the Year award winner, is averaging 16.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists. The former Ron Artest was celebrating a dunk when he elbowed Harden hard.
Nets point guard Deron Williams (calf) could miss his fifth straight game Monday when New Jersey visits Philly. "I just want to make sure it's OK," Williams said. "No reason to come back and do something stupid with three games left. We can't make the playoffs." Looks like Armon Johnson will continue to replace Williams, who is averaging 21.0 points and 8.7 assists.
The Clippers are vowing to protect star Blake Griffin more, as opponents continue to foul him hard. "They are doing it on a regular basis now," point guard Chris Paul said. "God forbid he gets hurt because it's getting crazy." Added center DeAndre Jordan: "I feel like people are intentionally trying to hurt him. It'll all come back around." The Clips had dropped two of four heading into Sunday night’s game vs. the Hornets.